Let’s talk carbs. Do you know what they are?

Carbohydrates are anything that is fibre, sugar, or starch. We often think of carbs as bread, pasta, rice, and potatoes, but there is so much more! Grains, fruit, dairy, vegetables, legumes…so many foods contain carbohydrates.

Why do carbohydrates matter?

Carbohydrates are an essential form of energy for young athletes. Carbohydrates turn into sugar in your body, enter your bloodstream and transferred to cells to provide energy. Sugar is stored in your muscles and liver as glycogen, waiting to be utilized as energy. This is called ENERGY STORES and carbohydrate loading can help increase these stores so you have more energy to use.

This can be beneficial when you have a tournament or know you’ll be playing multiple games in a day, or over a weekend. Carb loading isn’t necessary for a single game or practice.

Many people think carb loading is eating a huge plate of pasta before a game. But there is more to it! Sometimes eating a big meal full of carbohydrates can actually make you feel heavy and groggy. We want you to feel energized!

The way to load up your energy stores is to start eating more carbohydrates 2-3 days before your tournament. If you can also decrease your activity level, this will help boost your energy stores so you have more energy on game day.

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So think about adding some more whole grains, fruit, vegetables, and starches as you get closer to your activity.

No matter if you’re carb loading for multiple games, or just looking to increase energy in general, carbs are your best friend!

Sweet potatoes are one of my favourite carbohydrate loaded foods. You can roast them, mash them, make fritters or hash browns…or you can try my Sweet Potato Muffins! They are easy to make, portable, and great as a snack an hour before a game.

SWEET POTATO MUFFINS

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups mashed sweet potato
• 1/2 cup coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
• 1/4 cup oil
• 2 eggs
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1 cup whole wheat flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• Big pinch salt

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350.
• Peel, cook, and mash sweet potato in a large bowl.
• Add oil, sugar, vanilla, and eggs. Mix until well combined.
• In a small bowl, whisk together flour, cinnamon, ginger, baking soda, baking powder, and salt.
• Add dry ingredients to sweet potato mixture and stir until just combined.
• Scoop into baking cups or greased muffin tin.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes, until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
• Makes 12 muffins. Enjoy!